Head of operations and programmes jobs

Programme Lead | Lead High-Impact STEM Programmes Across the South of England

Shape the future workforce. Lead inspiring STEM programmes. Build partnerships that change young lives.

Are you an experienced Programme Lead, Education Programme Manager or Youth Programme Manager looking for an opportunity to deliver meaningful impact at scale?

EDT is entering an exciting period of transformation and growth. We are looking for a passionate and motivated Programme Lead to oversee the delivery of high-quality STEM and STEAM programmes across the South of England, helping thousands of young people discover future career opportunities and achieve their potential. As a Programme Lead, you will combine programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, operational leadership and educational innovation to create exceptional experiences for schools, students, volunteers and industry partners.

Why Join EDT?

Passionate about creating equitable access to STEM careers

Dynamic in our response to a changing world

Collaborative with industry, educators and communities

Respectful of young people's potential and lived experiences

At EDT, purpose comes first. Every programme you lead helps young people build confidence, skills and aspirations while improving social mobility and widening access to future careers.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage programme operations, logistics, performance tracking and regional delivery activity
• Build strong relationships with schools, colleges, partners, volunteers and stakeholders
• Coordinate sessional teams and support outstanding learner experiences across multiple locations
• Monitor KPIs, analyse programme data and produce impact reports for stakeholders and funders

For full responsibilities, skills and person specification, please refer to the attached Job Description.

What We're Looking For

• Experience delivering education, outreach, STEM, youth or community programmes across multiple sites or regions
• Strong programme management and project delivery experience
• Experience managing stakeholders, volunteers, educators or delivery teams
• Ability to analyse performance data, monitor KPIs and produce reports
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Passion for education, STEM engagement and improving outcomes for young people
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel throughout the region

What's In It For You?

• Competitive salary from £29,300 to £37,600 dependant on experience
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Up to 10% employer pension contribution
• Life insurance worth three times annual salary
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Wellbeing support
• Opportunity to lead high-profile STEM programmes with national impact
• Career development within a respected education charity

Location

• Hybrid working
• Welwyn Garden City office base
• South of England coverage including London, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex
• Some travel across wider delivery regions, including parts of Wales
• Occasional overnight stays required

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Join EDT as a Programme Lead and help inspire the next generation through world-class STEM experiences, meaningful partnerships and innovative educational programmes

ABOUT CHEFS IN SCHOOLS

Chefs in Schools exists to improve children’s health and futures through better school food and meaningful food education.

We work alongside schools and catering teams to transform what children eat every day, particularly in communities facing the greatest barriers to good health. We combine practical support, training, operational expertise and sector influence to help schools serve fresh, nutritious food that children want to eat.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and are ambitious about both impact and scale. We want every child to have access to excellent school food and a real food education, regardless of background.

We are a values-led organisation - bold, honest, collaborative, innovative and focused on solutions.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

You will lead the delivery of Chefs in Schools External Affairs function, ultimately ensuring there is widespread recognition that poor quality school food is unacceptable. Through integrated media, digital and advocacy work, you’ll ensure quality school food is viewed as a vital tool for healthy development and food literacy. 

You will turn strategic direction into coordinated delivery, leading a multidisciplinary team that increases our influence, strengthens our reputation and helps achieve meaningful improvements in school food.

Working closely with External Affairs colleagues and Chief Executive, you will ensure our public profile, policy influence and media work reinforce one another, while creating the management capacity required for a growing organisation. This builds on the new functional structure where media and content, policy and campaigns, and the School Food Review programme all sit within External Affairs.

We want Chefs in Schools to become the most trusted and recognisable voice in the conversation around school food and food literacy. This role will play a central part in building that influence and recognition.

We are looking for somebody who understands that influence is built through consistency, credibility, creativity and cultural relevance as much as through formal communications activity alone. 

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the External Affairs team.

• Translate organisational strategy into clear plans and objectives.

• Ensure media, content creation, campaigns, policy and coalition activity reinforce one another.

• Set priorities and allocate resources across competing work.

• Develop team capability through coaching, support and performance management.

• Contribute to organisational strategy and annual planning.

• Advise on reputational opportunities and risks.

• Ensure innovation is embedded at the heart of our work and approach.

• Deputise at SLT level where appropriate.

• Represent the organisation externally.

• Build a collaborative, ambitious, solutions-focused culture.

Operational planning

• Develop and oversee the annual External Affairs plan in line with strategy.

• Coordinate campaign calendars, policy priorities, publications and media moments.

• Ensure external activity supports fundraising, programmes and partnerships.

• Monitor delivery against KPIs and adjust plans where required.

Campaigns and public engagement

• Provide strategic oversight of policy development and campaigning.

• Challenge and refine policy recommendations before publication.

• Ensure campaigns are evidence-led and aligned with organisational strategy.

• Support relationships with government, sector leaders and coalition partners.

• Build strong relationships with media, MPs, councillors and key stakeholders.

Media & communications

• Oversee media strategy and organisational messaging.

• Ensure consistency across press, social media, website, publications and events.

• Identify media moments and hard hitting stories that will hit the headlines. 

• Sign off major messaging and communications.

• Lead communications planning around major announcements or crises.

School Food Review 

• Provide strategic oversight of the School Food Review programme.

• Ensure coalition work complements Chefs in Schools wider influencing strategy.

• Support senior relationships with coalition partners and funders.

• Remove barriers to delivery for the Programme Manager.

Budget & governance

• Manage the External Affairs budget.

• Ensure safeguarding, risk management and governance requirements are met.

• Oversee procurement of agencies and consultants.

ABOUT YOU

Essential experience and skills

• Significant senior leadership experience across media relations, campaigns, policy or public affairs.

• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong operational planning skills.

• Excellent political judgement.

• Experience influencing senior stakeholders.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication.

• Strong project and budget management.

• Comfortable balancing long-term strategy with fast-paced reactive work.

• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and digital channels. 

• Excellent communication skills – written, verbal and visual. 

• Experience of working with MPs and other key stakeholders.

• Strong alignment with the mission and values of Chefs in Schools.

Desirable

• Education, food systems or public health experience.

• Coalition leadership.

• Charity senior management.

• Experience working with ministers, journalists and on national campaigns.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION

We know that strong candidates may not meet every single requirement listed in this job description.

If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution to our mission, we would encourage you to apply.

We are committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation where people from different backgrounds, experiences and communities can thrive.

We can’t fix issues like poverty, inequality, health and climate change alone. We are fully conscious of the scale of the challenge that faces the country and the urgent need to respond. That’s why the School for Social Entrepreneurs exists, to empower and equip people with entrepreneurial ideas and solutions to grow the social economy. The social economy is a movement of organisations and enterprises that prioritise people and planet. Together, we are committed to tackling the greatest social and environmental challenges of our time.This is a new and exciting role at a significant time of growth for the School for Social Entrepreneurs. In the coming year. we are developing new programmes, working with leaders who are developing small community led social and environmental projects as well as leading larger charities and social businesses developing social investment and housing solutions.

We’re not a traditional funder. Our grants tend to be small, but they punch above their weight, helping social and environmental entrepreneurs take the next step to grow their organisations. Our grants run alongside learning programmes, challenging and supporting leaders. We’re innovative in how we do this, through both traditional and enterprise grants. We lead on Match Trading™, a grant that challenges leaders to grow their trading income, and we are working on further grants innovations.

You will work with our Grants Team, Project Co-ordinators and Assessment Lead to develop and support grant management across a range of programmes. Your role will be to lead on specific programmes, including supporting assessment, onboarding and grant management. You will ensure that grantees are fully supported to manage their grants and ensure that grant management is compliant, auditable, efficient, and timely. You will support the development of grant policies and processes, writing grant paperwork and documentation, overseeing payments, and reporting to the wider Programmes Team and others about our work.

You don’t need to have managed grants before, but you do need to have a good understanding of a wide range enterprises and charities, gained through experience of training, business consultancy or development support. You will have a good understanding of business models, legal structures and financial systems that social and environmental organisations and community run and owned businesses may use. You will need to understand social enterprise finances, be able to read accounts, budgets, cashflows and have a good knowledge of social enterprise income streams.

We need someone who understands how hard it is to start up and grow social and environmental enterprises and can support people from diverse backgrounds in managing their grant, finances and growing their business.

Are you up for the challenge?

Interviews: Friday 18th and Friday 25th September (online)

About Medair UK 

Medair is a Christian humanitarian organisation that responds to conflict, disease, and disaster so that the world’s most vulnerable and hard-to reach people can live with dignity and hope. Medair UK is an affiliate of the Swiss-based humanitarian organisation, Medair International.   

Together, we work in some of the world's most remote and challenging environments. In 2025, despite significant pressures across the humanitarian sector, Medair supported more than 3.6 million people across 13 countries through life-saving health, nutrition, water, sanitation, shelter and cash assistance programmes. From responding to cholera outbreaks in South Sudan and supporting communities affected by conflict in Sudan, DR Congo and Lebanon, to delivering emergency relief following natural disasters in Madagascar and Myanmar, our teams continued to reach people in greatest need with compassion, professionalism and perseverance. 

About the Role/Role and Responsibilities 

An excellent opportunity has arisen to join the Medair UK team as we are seeking a part-time Head of Operations. The post holder will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of Medair UK's finance, HR, IT and governance functions, ensuring robust systems, effective controls, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. They will support the Medair UK Director and Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and management of the charity in accordance with best practice and ensure a sustainable operational platform is in place to support all Medair UK’s functions. The Head of Operations will contribute to organisational strategy, culture and decision-making, while also taking a practical and proactive role in the day-to-day delivery of operational activities. They will help lead, support and develop the culture of Medair UK, promoting its values and Christian-distinctiveness internally and externally. 

About you 

You will be a highly organised and experienced, strategic and hands-on operational leader who can provide strong oversight of finance, governance, HR, IT and office management within a growing charity. You will have significant experience in financial and operational management, with a sound understanding of charity finance, governance and regulatory compliance and UK employment law. You will be an effective people manager and leader, with strong communication, planning and problem-solving skills. You will be adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities, work to deadlines, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to Medair’s Christian values, mission and humanitarian purpose. 

Key Activity Areas 

Financial Management and Reporting 

• Lead the charity’s financial management, ensuring accurate records, robust controls and effective financial processes.

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management, in collaboration with the Director to support strategic planning and financial sustainability.

• Manage reserves and organisational funds, ensuring effective stewardship, appropriate cost recovery, timely grant transfers and compliance with donor and regulatory requirements. 

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts, financial reports and performance analysis to support informed decision-making.

• Lead the production of statutory accounts and manage the annual external audit process.

• Ensure compliance and best practice with regard to legal and other regulatory bodies, including data protection and the timely submission of accounts and other returns. 

Human Resource Management 

• Lead and oversee all HR operations, including the recruitment, onboarding and retention of staff and volunteers.

• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies through effective management and administration of contracts, HR records, payroll, pensions and employee benefits. 

• Manage employee lifecycle processes, including inductions, appraisals, performance reviews and professional development planning.

• Maintain accurate HR records and oversee attendance, leave, sickness and other employee-related processes in line with organisational policies. 

Leadership, Governance and Organisational Development 

• Lead organisational operational planning and risk management, ensuring Medair UK has the systems, processes and resources required to deliver its strategic objectives. 

• Maintain the corporate risk register and support the Board with governance, compliance and reporting requirements. 

• Support the Director and Board of Trustees through the provision of financial, operational and governance advice, contributing to organisational effectiveness and long-term sustainability. 

• Own the organisation’s policy framework, maintaining the policy register and ensuring the timely revision, review and compliance of all policies. 

• Foster a healthy organisational culture that reflects Medair's Christian values and supports staff wellbeing, engagement and development. 

IT & Office Management  

• Oversee the IT infrastructure, managing the procurement, installation and ongoing maintenance of IT hardware, systems and software liaising with the IT department at the Medair International Global Support Office (GSO) in Switzerland as appropriate. 

• Lead the development, administration and optimisation of Salesforce , other fundraising platforms and related system integrations to support fundraising, donor engagement and organisational objectives, liaising with the IT department in GSOSwitzerland as appropriate.

• Manage the Salesforce system configuration, enhancements, user access and upgrades, ensuring the platform remains effective and reliable. 

• Drive the continuous improvement of Salesforce systems, processes and data management practices, ensuring high standards of data quality, security and operational efficiency.Implement system enhancements, streamline processes and carry out regular data quality, integrity and cleansing checks to ensure accurate, consistant and reliable data. 

• Provide training, guidance and user support on Salesforce and Campaign Monitor to maximise staff capability and system adoption. 

• Ensure a fully functioning office base which enables Medair UK to deliver its operational activities in the most efficient and effective manner. 

Tasks common to all staff  

• Act as an ambassador for Medair UK at all times when liaising externally and internally 

• Ensure consistent implementation of the Medair brand across all relevant activities 

• Record information as necessary and comply at all times with requirements for handling personal / sensitive data 

Qualifications - DESIRABLE 

• Vocational qualification in business or financial management / administration desirable 

Languages 

• Excellent English (spoken and written). 

Experience / Competencies – ESSENTIAL 

• Significant experience in financial and office administration

• Understanding of UK finance and governance and employment law 

• Proficient in finance packages, ideally Quickbooks 

• Proficient in fundraising or other database(s), ideally Salesforce and Campaign Monitor

• Experience of Microsoft Office solutions, with proficiency in Excel, Word, Internet and email use. 

• Effective people manager and strong leadership skills 

• Ability to handle a wide and varied workload, with tight deadlines and competing priorities. 

• Capable planner, problem-solver and clear communicator.

• Inspired by and in full agreement with Medair’s Christian values and ethos 

• Willing to contribute to the spiritual life of the team including prayer meetings 

• Willingness to be flexible in terms of hours worked at occasional, but inevitable moments of crisis 

Experience / Competencies – DESIRABLE 

• Experience of charity leadership and governance 

• Experience in relief / development work 

• Understanding of Humanitarian Issues 

Salary: £47,000 - £52,000 

Closing date: Wednesday 12th August, 5pm. Interviews to be held on Wednesday 2nd or Thursday 3rd September. 

Workplace:Medair UK office is based in Kennington, London. There is possibility to adopt hybrid working, but with a minimum of 2 days/wk in the office. 

Contract Details: Part-Time (3 days 0.6 FTE), permanent 

Direct Reports: Operations Support Officer 

Only those eligible to work in the UK can apply. 

NOTE: In order to maintain the organisation’s Christian ethos, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the holder of this Medair UK position to be a committed Christian. 

The arts for mental health – peer support delivered creatively

Sound Minds is a user-led charity transforming lives through music, film and art. We are a thriving community bound together by creativity and a shared belief in mutual learning and peer support.

Main purposes of the job:

Sound Minds is recruiting a Head of Operations to join our team in Wandsworth.

The Head of Operations is a member of the senior leadership team at Sound Minds and leads the management and day-to-day operations of a vibrant community premises.

Sound Minds is in a period of review and consolidation, following growth of its programmes and having secured Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation status. The Head of Operations will further develop and implement robust systems to support this growth and the charity’s future aims.

The role leads on all operational, health and safety, premises, IT, systems, human resources, evaluation, and reporting activity. The Head of Operations manages the delivery of Sound Minds’ Peer Support service and will act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. They deputise for the CEO as required.

They will assist the CEO on maintaining key relationships with external stakeholders and external communications.

Sound Minds is a creative place, and the Head of Operations will need a passion for organisation and administration.

Salary: £42,833 per annum(pro rata) & 3% contribution to pension

Hours: 28 hours per week

This fixed term contract ends on 16th June 2030 and is renewable depending on funding.

Strong IT skills are essential for this role. You will be required to have a DBS (criminal records check) and satisfactory written references before starting.

The full job description and application pack are available from Sound Minds’ website.

Closing date: 10:00am, Monday 7th September 2026

First interviews: Friday 18th September 2026

The Woodland Trust is looking for a The Head of Estate and Programmes - Scotland. They will lead the Trust’s estate and programmes team in Scotland, ensuring that the estate and associated programmes are managed to the highest professional standards and in accordance with the Woodland Trust’s management approach, policies and standards. They will lead the development of the Treescape programme and other priority programmes as required and develop and manage strategic partnerships in support of the Trust’s work in Scotland.

The Role:

• Lead and oversee the Woodland Trust’s Scottish estate, ensuring woodlands are managed to the highest professional, environmental and compliance standards, including UKWAS accreditation.
• Drive delivery of the Trust’s Treescape Programme in Scotland, building effective partnerships and ensuring strategic objectives are achieved.
• Manage and inspire a high-performing team of site managers, project leads and programme staff, fostering a culture of accountability, development and collaboration.
• Oversee multi-disciplinary projects and a budget of approximately £5m, ensuring resources are managed effectively and deliver maximum value and impact.
• Provide strategic leadership on estate acquisitions, disposals and land management, supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of the Trust’s woodland portfolio.
• Champion health and safety and operational excellence across all estate activities in Scotland, ensuring compliance and best practice at all times.
• Build and maintain influential relationships with partners, funders, stakeholders, government bodies and the wider land-use sector to advance the Trust’s vision and objectives.
• Contribute to senior leadership and organisational strategy, representing Scotland within the Woodland Trust and supporting UK-wide initiatives, policy development and knowledge sharing.
• This is a homebased role, requiring regular travel to locations within wider Scotland, sometimes to remote locations. You would be expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of your area of responsibility. Occasional travel to regional offices and overnight stays will be required.
• A company vehicle will be provided for this role. Please note that out Company Vehicle Policy is also under review as part of our Job Families and Contract Review project, so the eligibility criteria therein are subject to change in due course.

The Candidate:

• Extensive experience in forestry, woodland and land management, with a strong understanding of native woodland management, Scotland’s land-use landscape and rainforest ecosystems.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to lead, motivate, develop and inspire multidisciplinary teams to deliver high performance.
• Strong project, programme and budget management expertise, including oversight of complex initiatives, resource allocation, monitoring and reporting.
• Commercial and operational management experience, including procurement, contract management and delivering value for money while achieving organisational objectives.
• Exceptional partnership and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building strategic relationships across government, funding bodies, landowners, conservation organisations and other key interest groups.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders, preparing written reports, presenting ideas and supporting successful funding applications.
• Knowledge of legal, policy, and governance frameworks, including experience developing and managing legal agreements and understanding Scotland’s conservation, forestry and land-use policy environment.
• Relevant professional qualifications and practical capability, including a forestry-related qualification, membership (or working towards membership) of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, strong IT skills (including MS Office and GIS) and the ability to travel extensively.

Benefits and Wellbeing:

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. 

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application.

Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply Now:

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. 

First round interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams on 18th, 19th and 20th August 2026.

Location: Remote with regular travel to multiple locations (including Head Office in London)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Standard Contract
Reports to: Executive Headteacher
Responsible for: Curriculum Leads and Teaching Staff
Start Date: 4th January 2027 

Please note: Applicants who successfully pass the initial CV screening will be required to submit a full Equal Education Academy application form in line with KCSIE statutory guidance prior to formal shortlisting and interview.

Interview schedule: 

• Online interview (45mins) - Friday 28th August 2026.

• In-Person Assessment Day (London) - Friday 11th September 2026.

About Equal Education Academy (EEA)

Equal Education is excited to launch a new online academy for Key Stage 4 students, accredited under the DfE’s Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS). We deliver high-quality alternative education tailored for learners facing barriers to education or with complex needs. This includes young people with SEND, SEMH needs, interrupted schooling, Children Looked After, and those requiring specialist or alternative provision.

Guided by our values of Belong, Empower and Aspire, we provide a safe, inclusive, and aspirational environment. We align with DfE guidance and aim to meet OEAS standards, ensuring that safeguarding, particularly online, is the foundation of our culture.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Centre will provide strategic and operational leadership for Equal Education Academy, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and trauma-informed online provision. Serving as the Academy’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), the postholder will embed safeguarding, inclusion, and wellbeing into all organisational decision-making.

Key responsibilities include leading SEND and safeguarding strategy (including overseeing the Single Central Record)  delivering high-impact staff training, and driving rigorous quality assurance by monitoring and reviewing teaching and learning practices. 

Working collaboratively across the Academy and the wider Equal Education Limited group, the Head of Centre will serve as a vital operational bridge, facilitating seamless collaboration and synergy between Equal Education Academy and Equal Education Limited. Operating at the intersection of both entities, the post-holder is uniquely positioned to identify and leverage cross-group resources, optimising them to drive the growth and development of the Academy. By championing alignment across the ecosystem, this pivotal role ensures that the Academy’s functions, team, and strategic objectives are seamlessly integrated within the wider organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Quality of Education

• Support the Executive Headteacher in setting the Academy’s strategic direction and ensuring compliance with OEAS/DfE standards.

• Monitor and review teaching and learning across the Academy, using lesson observations, work scrutiny, and data analysis to drive pedagogical improvement.

• Contribute to the Academy Improvement Plan and lead on inspection readiness and quality assurance activities.

• Lead on developing and implementing a program of CPD and training for new staff. Ensuring the team is aligned under the vision and values of the EE Academy.

• Facilitate operational synergy between Equal Education Academy and Equal Education Limited, leveraging group resources to optimise performance.

2. SEND Leadership (SENCO)

• Coordinate all SEND provision, ensuring the identification, assessment, and effective support of learners with complex needs.

• Oversee EHCP management, annual reviews, and the development of targeted Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).

• Oversee PEP management for Looked After Children

• Champion inclusive pedagogy, ensuring all staff adopt trauma-informed and adaptive teaching strategies.

• Manage multi-agency collaboration with families, local authorities, and external professionals to secure positive learner outcomes.

3. Safeguarding and Wellbeing (DSL)

• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), maintaining oversight of all safeguarding systems, referrals, and online safety protocols.

• Ensure policies remain compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and best practice.

• Promote a culture of vigilance, ensuring learner wellbeing, attendance, and emotional safety are central to all Academy functions.

• Lead on multi-agency safeguarding processes and provide expert advice to the leadership team.

4. Leadership & Staff Development

• Design and deliver high-impact staff training programs, specifically focusing on safeguarding, online pedagogy, SEND frameworks, and inclusive, trauma-informed practice.

• Lead staff appraisal, coaching, and professional development to ensure high standards of accountability and growth.

• Foster a collaborative, reflective culture, supporting recruitment, induction, and retention.

• Support learner engagement, attendance and successful transition pathways

• Contribute to self-evaluation and school improvement activities

5. Partnership Working, Influence and Professional Representation

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders to drive seamless integration between Equal Education Academy and the wider Equal Education Limited group.Work closely with the Executive Headteacher, Group CEO and relevant members of operational teams to ensure effective collaboration across the group. 

• Develop and sustain effective partnerships with families, schools, local authorities, virtual schools, and external agencies.

• Support policy development, implementation, and review.

• Represent Equal Education at professional meetings, conferences, and external forums.

• Undertake any other duties reasonably directed by the Headteacher or Executive Headteacher.

• Contribute to strategic planning and organisational development, effectively pitching ideas and challenging the status quo.

• Ability to constructively and professionally challenge colleagues and stakeholders at all levels, including leadership as necessary, in the interest of managing risk and developing a quality service offering.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO). 

• Significant (3 years minimum) senior leadership experience in a school, AP, SEND, or online setting within the last year. 

• Proven experience in designing and delivering whole-school staff training.

• Extensive (1 year minimum) experience as a DSL (safeguarding) and SENCO (SEND provision).

• Deep understanding of KCSIE, the SEND Code of Practice, and OEAS/DfE requirements.

• Experience in reviewing teaching and learning to drive quality improvement.

• Significant experience supporting children and young people with barriers to learning and/or emerging or complex needs, including those with SEND, SEMH needs, interrupted education, Children Looked After, and learners requiring specialist or alternative provision.

• Significant experience supporting learners with EHCPs and complex needs, while coordinating multi-agency support and collaborating effectively with local authorities, schools, and external agencies.

• Experience contributing to quality assurance, school improvement or inspection readiness activities. 

Skills and Attributes

• Strong strategic, operational and project management skills

  • Ability to manage complex projects in an organised manner, develop project plans with effective tracking (e.g. Project Initiation documents, gantt charts,   reporting on key metrics, meeting key milestones and working to budgets). 

  • Ability to lead projects and processes in a collaborative way, identifying and engaging key stakeholders to ensure efficiency and avoid duplication of work across a group business structure. 

  • Demonstrates a commercial mindset, with the ability to articulate business cases, work effectively with budgets and interpret information effectively. 

• Excellent communication: capable of building high-trust relationships with staff, families, and local authorities.

• Resilient, reflective and adaptable. A champion of inclusion: deep commitment to supporting vulnerable learners and EEA’s values.

• Strong organisational skills, data-literate and improvement-focused with the abilities to support and develop colleagues. 

• Analytical mindset, able to challenge own assumptions and adapt based on learnings.

• Up to date educational landscape knowledge and a desire to remain informed of sector shifts and updates.

General

The post-holder will be provided with the technology required to complete their role. Equal Education works exclusively on Apple devices using Google software.

Equal Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All colleagues are expected to share this commitment. The post is subject to Enhanced DBS clearance, right to work in the UK, and two satisfactory professional references (one from the last employer). 

Every young person we support is unique and our team isn’t any different. Our differences are our strength when it comes to providing a tailored, human approach to education. We are proud of our people and provide an environment where everyone can bring their most authentic self to work. 

Our recruitment practices are carried out in line with equal opportunities and all candidates will be reviewed fairly regardless of age, gender reassignment, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

Title: Head of Operations

Responsible to: CEO

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £45,000 - £48,000 FT (depending on experience and qualifications)

Based: Willesden, NW10 2JR; Haringey borough (including Hornsey, N8 9LP and Tottenham Hale, N17 9FU) + other locations if required

Contract: Permanent (subject to continuation of funding)

Please Note: Enhanced DBS check will be required

JOB OVERVIEW

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, every day, to people from all walks of life? Do you want to use your operational management experience to have a tangible impact in the community? This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced team leader looking to take on a meaningful new career challenge to join the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) as Head of Operations.

The Head of Operations oversees all of BIAS’s projects, managing a small, high-performing team of project coordinators and frontline advice and community-support staff to ensure that we provide the highest-quality service to our clients. You will need to have demonstrable team-management experience, strong people and communication skills, and a willingness to take a hands-on approach to project delivery, along with excellent organisational and strategic abilities to ensure that projects are delivered sustainably, effectively and efficiently.

In 2025, BIAS expanded its successful Brent-based advice service and active ageing clubs into Haringey borough. The Head of Operations will take the lead on further building and developing the new services in Haringey, ensuring that we replicate our excellent quality of service, strong record of positive outcomes and loyal service-user base.

This is a key role within the BIAS senior leadership team, which will give you the opportunity to have a direct impact on shaping the organisation’s future strategy and direction.

KEY WORK AREAS AND MAIN DUTIES

Staff management

• Manage a team of five project coordinators and five front-line staff to ensure effective delivery and monitoring of BIAS’s core welfare and housing advice, active ageing, volunteering and befriending projects, which support over 900 people per year.
• Manage HR procedures, including employment contracts, probation assessment, leave administration, staff supervision, performance management and exit procedures.
• Conduct recruitment procedures where needed, and supervise the onboarding process for new joiners.
• Oversee training and development needs and budgets.
• Ensure good teamwork and lines of communication between staff, including by chairing regular staff meetings.
• Create a positive working environment in which equity and diversity are promoted and staff can do their best.

Project management

• Project-manage the further development of new advice and active ageing services in Haringey borough.
• Take the lead on promotion and marketing of BIAS’s services, including by representing the charity to partner organisations and at external events.
• Contribute to the organisation and running of regular community and fundraising events.
• Deputise for the Advice Services Manager where needed, supporting the welfare and housing advisers with complex casework, forward planning and client management.
• Support the Active Ageing Coordinators and volunteer teams wherever needed with the day-to-day running of the active ageing clubs.

Quality and service delivery

• Oversee quality-assurance procedures in line with the Advice Quality Standard (AQS), and spearhead biannual renewal of BIAS’s AQS accreditation.
• Oversee running of BIAS’s volunteer project in line with the Investing in Volunteers quality accreditation standards.
• Serve as internal data protection officer, monitoring GDPR compliance, managing risk and responding to any potential data breaches.
• Serve as BIAS safeguarding lead, ensuring that safeguarding policies and training are kept up to date, and that all safeguarding concerns are appropriately addressed.
• Work with the Fundraising and Communications Manager to administer the BIAS website and implement BIAS’s social media strategy.
• Administer BIAS’s IT and client management systems (Microsoft 365, SharePoint, BrightHR, Lamplight CRM), coordinating training, updates and troubleshooting.

Operational leadership

• Advise the CEO on all staffing and service-delivery issues.
• Monitor and report on service delivery, including through monthly advice and volunteer-project reports, quarterly Board reports and regular funder reports.
• Carry out regular reviews of BIAS’s annual business plan, risk register, five-year strategy and internal policies and procedures, providing recommendations to the CEO and Board of Trustees on strategic direction.
• Research and secure funding from grant-making organisations, ensuring BIAS’s future financial sustainability.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager and CEO on budgeting, grant monitoring, cashflow and financial authorisation.

These are the basic duties required of the Head of Operations. However, it is necessary for all staff to be flexible and you may be required from time to time to perform other reasonable duties which are required for the efficient running of the organisation. We will also offer training opportunities to support your career development.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. This role will be based in our advice offices and club venues in Willesden and Haringey but there may be some options for flexible working (e.g. one day per week from home). Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

ABOUT BIAS

BIAS is a local charity which has supported England’s largest Irish community in Brent for almost fifty years. We deliver our support through our welfare and housing advice service, our active ageing clubs, our volunteer project and our befriending scheme. We raise over £2 million in extra income for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged every year and have over 7000 attendances at our club services. BIAS has recently expanded into Haringey borough and has exciting plans to further develop its project scope and geographical reach, supported by sustainable and diversified grant funding, including from Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. The deadline for applications is 29th August 2026 but we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible as interviews may be carried out on a rolling basis.

Hours: Full-time

Pay: Up to £52,890 GBP gross per annual (dependent on experience)

Duration: Permanent

Location: UK-Med Office, Manchester, UK with hybrid working (approximately 30% on-site)

Do you have the expertise to ensure strong financial systems, compliance, and controls in a growing humanitarian organisation?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.

As UK-Med continues to expand its global reach and strengthen its international operations, we are investing in the financial leadership that underpins our humanitarian impact. In this context, the new Head of Finance (International) will play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity, effectiveness, and resilience of UK-Med’s global financial management.

You’ll oversee financial governance, compliance, and grant management across our international programmes, ensuring that systems and reporting are robust, efficient, and aligned with donor and statutory requirements. Based in the UK, you’ll work closely with colleagues across Finance, Operations, and Programmes to strengthen financial controls, manage risk, and support sound decision-making that enables UK-Med to respond rapidly and effectively to humanitarian crises around the world.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on supporting operational delivery, ensuring high-quality financial reporting, and strengthening systems. You’ll bring together technical excellence and strong leadership skills, working collaboratively and effectively in a complex, fast-changing environment. Your contribution will directly enable UK-Med to respond rapidly to emergencies and make a tangible impact on people affected by crises.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits, a collaborative and supportive working environment, and the opportunity to make a real difference through humanitarian work.

UK-Med is a growing and ambitious organisation with a passionate team of staff, members, and volunteers. This is a truly exciting opportunity to shape the future of our financial function and support our mission to provide healthcare in emergencies worldwide.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack - Head of Finance (International) - August 2026 before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Please apply below, as soon as possible and no later than Monday 24th of August 2026.

We welcome applications from candidates based in the UK and internationally. While being based in the UK would be advantageous due to the role’s close collaboration with UK-Med’s Manchester-based teams, it is not an essential requirement, and internationally based candidates will be fully considered.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfill their potential.

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Head of Estate and Programmes - North to join our North England Team. The Head of Estate and Programmes will lead the Trust’s estate team and related programmes of work in North England. They will take a strategic overview, identifying and shaping new initiatives to ensure that the estate and associated programmes are developed and managed to the highest professional standards and in accordance with the Woodland Trust’s management approach, policies and standards.

The Role:

• Lead the strategic management of the Trust’s woodland estate across the North, ensuring the highest professional standards, regulatory compliance, and delivery of landscape-scale conservation outcomes.
• Shape and deliver major estate-based programmes and projects, working collaboratively across teams and with external partners to achieve the Trust’s strategic objectives.
• Provide inspiring leadership to a multidisciplinary team of site managers, project managers, and programme staff, fostering a high-performance, values-led culture.
• Oversee the effective planning, management, and governance of a multi-million-pound estate budget, ensuring excellent value for money and efficient use of resources.
• Take overall responsibility for health, safety, risk management, and operational excellence across the Trust’s northern estate activities.
• Develop and implement the North’s long-term estate plans, aligning woodland, forestry, conservation, and land management priorities with the Trust’s UK strategy.
• Act as a senior ambassador for the Trust, building and strengthening relationships with partners, funders, stakeholders, land managers, and public bodies to maximise impact.
• Champion innovation, knowledge sharing, and partnership working, representing the North at a senior level and contributing to UK-wide initiatives that advance the Trust’s vision and influence.
• This is a homeworking position with regular travel around the North of England. Occasional travel to other offices, remote locations and overnight stays may also be required.

The Candidate:

• Experienced leader with a proven track record of managing complex estates, large-scale programmes, projects and multidisciplinary teams to deliver ambitious strategic outcomes.
• Strong understanding of woodland, forestry, conservation, land management and the operation of large estates, with knowledge of ancient woodland management highly desirable.
• Commercially and financially astute, with experience managing significant budgets and balancing strategic priorities, operational performance and value for money.
• Confident in leading health, safety, risk management and governance activities within geographically dispersed operational environments.
• Skilled at building influential relationships and strategic partnerships, with the credibility to engage effectively with funders, land managers, public bodies, conservation organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Good understanding of England’s land-use, environmental and forestry policy landscape, particularly across the North, and the ability to translate this into practical outcomes.
• Highly organised and adaptable, with strong project management skills, confidence using MS Office and GIS systems.
• Professionally qualified to HND, degree level or equivalent in forestry, land management or a related discipline, with membership (or working towards membership) of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. Additionally, hold a full valid driving licence.

Benefits and Wellbeing:

Joining our team means you’ll be part of our fight for a greener, healthier planet for people and wildlife. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible and hybrid working options (7am - 7pm)
• Generous annual leave - 25 Days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part-time)
• Buy and sell holiday scheme
• Enhanced parental pay
• Employee assistance programme

To support inclusivity and remove barriers for candidates, we publish all salaries upfront and proudly follow the We Show the Salary pledge. The salary listed is the set salary for this role, and we don’t ask applicants to state their current pay or expectations. If you choose to apply, we’ll take that as confirmation that the advertised salary meets your expectations.

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make a difference by protecting, restoring and creating woodland and getting more trees in the ground.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

To achieve our mission, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Application information and advice:

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application.

Make sure that your personal statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Completed applications will be reviewed by a hiring manager and/or a member of the recruitment team, and you will receive an update on the outcome of your application via email.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply now:

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, apply today. We might close advertising early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in progress, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will take place via teams on 18th and 21st of September 2026.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Operations & Organisational Effectiveness is responsible for leadingUbele's operational infrastructure and ensuring the organisation has the systems,processes, people, governance and resources required to operate effectively andsustainably.

As a member of the management board, the postholder will work closely with thecurrent CEO and colleagues across the organisation to strengthen organisationaleffectiveness, improve operational performance and create the conditions forsuccessful programme delivery and long-term organisational resilience.

The role will provide leadership across operations, governance, finance oversight,people management, compliance, organisational planning and businessimprovement, ensuring that Ubele's operational foundations support its mission,values and ambitions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational leadership and organisational effectiveness

Lead the development and continuous improvement of organisational systems,processes and operational practices.

Drive organisational effectiveness through improved planning, coordination,accountability and performance management.

Ensure effective operational planning and resource allocation across theorganisation.

Establish and embed clear operational frameworks, policies and procedures

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen delivery and enhanceorganisational performance.

Lead organisational improvement initiatives and support the implementation ofchange programmes where required.

Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability.

People, culture and performance        

Provide leadership for organisational people practices, ensuring effectiveworkforce planning, employee engagement and performance management.

Support managers to develop high-performing and inclusive teams.

Ensure HR policies, procedures and employment practices are effectivelyimplemented.

Lead organisational approaches to performance management, learning andprofessional development.

Contribute to the development of a positive organisational culture that reflectsUbele's values and commitment to equity and inclusion.

Support organisational wellbeing and employee engagement initiatives.

Finance, risk and governance

Work closely with the Finance Lead and CEO to ensure robust financialmanagement, planning and reporting arrangements are in place.

Support the development and monitoring of organisational budgets and financialcontrols.

Ensure effective governance processes are maintained and support high-qualityreporting to the Board.

Lead the development and maintenance of organisational risk managementframeworks.

Oversee organisational compliance with legal, regulatory and statutoryrequirements.

Ensure organisational policies are regularly reviewed, updated and implemented.

Coordinate internal and external audits and compliance reviews.

Programme operations and organisational delivery              

Support effective organisational planning and delivery across programmes,projects and services.

Develop systems and processes that enable effective programme management,monitoring and reporting.

Ensure organisational resources are aligned to operational priorities and deliveryrequirements.                  

Oversee organisational performance reporting and management informationsystems.

Support cross-organisational collaboration and effective communication betweenteams.

Ensure grant, contract and reporting obligations are effectively monitored andfulfilled.

Assets, infrastructure and compliance

Provide operational oversight of Ubele's facilities, assets and organisationalinfrastructure, including supporting Wolves Lane leadership and other operationalresources.

Ensure effective management of suppliers, contractors and operational serviceproviders.

Oversee health and safety, safeguarding, data protection and organisationalcompliance arrangements.

Ensure business continuity and organisational resilience plans are maintained andregularly reviewed.

Maintain appropriate systems and controls to support safe, compliant andeffective operations.

External relationships and organisational representation

Develop effective relationships with operational partners, suppliers, funders andstakeholders as required.

Contribute operational insight and expertise to partnership discussions andorganisational initiatives.

Represent Ubele on operational, governance and organisational matters whereappropriate.

Support the CEO and management board through the provision of high-qualityoperational information, analysis and recommendations.

Person Specification

Skills      

Operational leadership skills, with the ability to drive organisational effectivenessand continuous improvement.

Planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.

People management and leadership skills, including the ability to develop andsupport teams.

Ability to analyse information and use data to support decision-making andperformance improvement.

Financial and commercial awareness.

Communication, influencing and relationship management skills.

Ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues, Board members,partners, funders and external stakeholders.

Problem-solving skills and the ability to identify practical solutions toorganisational challenges.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and work within a dynamic and evolvingenvironment.

Report writing, presentation and analytical skills.

Experience

Experience in a senior operational leadership role within a charity, socialenterprise, CIC, public sector or similarly complex organisation.

Experience leading organisational operations, systems, processes and businessimprovement initiatives.

Experience managing organisational change and embedding new ways ofworking.

Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.

Experience overseeing organisational budgets, financial controls and resourceplanning.

Experience supporting governance arrangements and working with Boards andSenior Leadership Teams.

Experience developing and implementing organisational policies, procedures andoperational frameworks.

Experience overseeing risk management, compliance and organisationalassurance processes.

Experience managing contracts, suppliers and operational resources.

Experience supporting the delivery of programmes, projects and services within acomplex organisational environment.

Knowledge

Knowledge of governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.

Knowledge of financial management principles, budgeting and performancereporting.

Knowledge of employment legislation and people management practices.

Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and organisationalcompliance requirements.

Knowledge of organisational development and continuous improvementapproaches.

Understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities facing charities,CICs and social enterprises.

Understanding of equity, inclusion and community-centred approaches toorganisational leadership.

Understanding of the social, economic and structural issues affecting AfricanDiaspora communities and community-led organisations.

Knowledge of grant-funded and contract-funded operating environments.

This role involves responsibility for socially impactful and occasionally emotionallydemanding work. A commitment to wellbeing, reflective leadership, and resilience isessential.

A DBS check may be required depending on Ubele’s programmes.

This job description may evolve as Ubele continues its organisational development.

Who we are

Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids' health, through improving school food & food education. Working in areas of high deprivation, we support and train schools and their kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education. We share our learning and resources freely, aiming to inspire and enable others to follow our lead.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and have ambitious targets to ensure every child has access to incredible school food and food education, setting them up for life with the skills and knowledge to feed themselves well.

About you and the role

This is a pivotal role, at a pivotal moment for us. We are entering a critical growth phase, which includes rapidly expanding our own operations and managing significant external partnership. As Head of Finance & Systems, you will be accountable for ensuring we have the right systems and structures in place to grow at pace without detriment to good governance.

The purpose of this role is to lead on our finance strategy, and ensure all of our systems, reporting and processes are helping to drive forward the charity and deliver on our objectives at scale. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Directors to ensure that financial planning is effective and supported by accurate data analysis. You will report directly to Trustees as required and ensure that the highest standards of transparency and probity are maintained. 

You will be joining the team during a period of growth in the size and complexity of our delivery. We currently have 24 employees and anticipate growing significantly in the next twelve months. You will have a crucial role in shaping our systems and processes to ensure we can scale effectively, both our existing programmes and a new membership-based programme that is in development. We’re looking for an experienced finance professional with an interest in effectively using technology and systems to drive efficiency, without compromising on accuracy or compliance. 

You will oversee all financial administration, ensuring this is carried out proficiently and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements, including ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all statutory filings are made accurately and on time. Your role will also encompass ensuring that we operate within legal & regulatory frameworks and stay up to date with changes in relevant legislation.

The responsibilities, skills and experience listed below are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement, but feel as though you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, we would urge you to apply anyway. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and for us the most important ‘experience’ is passion for our mission. You may be just the right candidate for this, or other roles.  

We want to get to know you at the interview and understand we can do this best if you’re at ease. We’re an inclusive employer and work hard to create a welcoming working environment for everyone, including appointing a neurodiversity champion to help us identify how we can make our work environment work for everyone. If you need adjustments to the interview process please let us know.

As we work with children & young people, an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance, in line with our safeguarding policy.  

Key responsibilities:

• Developing a comprehensive financial strategy that supports the delivery of the charity’s objectives and activities.

• Have ultimate oversight of the external audit and production of the statutory accounts, supported in delivery of this by the book-keeper.

• Produce the monthly management accounts and bespoke financial reports—including accurate forecasting, restricted fund tracking, and variance analysis—ensuring decision-makers have clear, actionable data.

• Forecasting cash flow and managing the treasury position.

• Manage the contract and performance of the bookkeeper  and outsourced payroll providers; setting strict monthly closing deadlines, enforcing data accuracy, and ensuring they deliver a clean trial balance for management accounting.

• Oversee sound financial administration, management and governance across the organisation, ensuring robust financial controls in place and operating effectively.

• Provide leadership and guidance to all things finance related, providing mentoring and support to the team, and coaching on financial awareness. 

• Accountability for monitoring that the organisation’s services are, and will, run to budget, supporting budget holders and reporting promptly on risks 

• Support the Partnerships & Impact team and Programme Managers with financial inputs to funding proposals and ensure restricted funds are used in compliance with grant conditions.

• Developing our systems strategy, including reviewing suitability of our current systems (Quickbooks for accountancy, Beacon CRM, PLEO for expenses management, Survey Monkey for data collection etc. ) and ensuring optimal use of systems, maximising automation, and using AI where appropriate.

• Constantly seeking to develop and improve the organisation’s financial systems, policies and procedures to promote dynamic, best practice and up-to-date application of tools, systems and approaches

• Supporting the organisation’s data governance by ensuring financial systems (e.g., Quickbooks, payroll, expenses) are secure, compliant, and integrated in line with data protection principles.

• Leading an effective risk management process.

• Ensuring the organisation’s compliance with charity law, in accordance with the Charity Commission in England & Wales and all financial reporting requirements.

Essential Skills & experience:

• Charity Finance Experience: Practical, senior-level experience working within a UK non-profit finance function, including a strong working knowledge of the Charities SORP and accounting for restricted vs. unrestricted funds.

• Hands-on Management Accounting: Proven experience independently producing monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasting, and variance analysis from scratch.

• End-to-End Audit Management: Experience preparing year-end audit files, reconciling balance sheet control accounts, and acts as the primary point of contact for external auditors.

• Accountancy Qualification: Full or partial qualification through an accredited body (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA). 

• Tech Literacy & Data Reconciliation: Comfortable troubleshooting and navigating modern finance tech stacks (e.g., Xero, Pleo) and pulling financial data/reports from a CRM system (e.g., Beacon).

• Vendor & Staff Management: Experience supervising junior staff (or office managers) and actively managing the performance, timelines, and accuracy of outsourced providers (e.g., bookkeeping and payroll).

Desirable skills & experience

• Systems Implementation: Past experience project-managing a software migration or building native integrations/automations between a CRM system and accounting software.

• Broader Operations/HR Exposure: Basic familiarity with HR administration, GDPR workflows, or managing organizational risk registers in a small team environment.

• Sector Passion: A demonstrable interest in food education, children’s health, or food systems.

Benefits

You would be joining a friendly, supportive team who works hard but believe in a healthy work/life balance. We were voted one of CODE Hospitality’s happiest places to work in 2024. We seek a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge. Joining a small, collaborative team means you’ll be able to contribute to and draw on various projects and strategic insights.

We offer 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays, 3 additional office closure days over the Christmas period as well as wellbeing days over the summer school holidays.  We also have a Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave, and free access to the CODE app for discounted restaurants & hospitality venues. We are committed to developing our team and will support you with relevant training opportunities including £250 towards elective training and development of your choice.

We also offer Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance, as well as access to the Aviva Smart Health Platform which offers health benefits including free rapid access online GP appointments, free counselling and wellbeing support.

Application process

In line with our commitment to ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we invite candidates to answer a series of questions related to their day-to-day job. 

We recommend that you develop your answers offline and copy them in when you’re ready to ensure you don’t lose your work if interrupted.

Your answers will go through our sifting process: all answers will be anonymised, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. A long list of candidates will then additionally have their CVs reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30 mins online interview. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a second, in-person interview at our office in Brixton, London.

Expected duration of this application process: 7 weeks

First interviews will be held 1st -4th September

The Head of Grants will take a leading role in shaping The Childhood Trust’s grant-making approach. This is both a strategic and practical role - the postholder will manage the full cycle for our existing grant-making (Big Give) campaign and oversee a small team. Working closely with the Director of Programmes and Impact, Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Board, they will use evidence, learning and sector insight to help design and deliver the next phase of The Childhood Trust’s grant-making programme. This is a role for someone who can work independently, take ownership and make things happen. 

The postholder will also use their experience and sector knowledge to recommend and implement new ways of supporting the sector through our new capacity building programme (Thrive Together), ensuring that The Childhood Trust’s grant-making is both innovative and impactful. They will contribute to the development of our youth voice work and ensure that the voices of children and young people are embedded across all aspects of grant-making.

Benefits to working at The Childhood Trust include:

• Competitive holiday package including a day off for your birthday and the days between Christmas and New Year off 

• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave 

• Flexible working environment 

To read more about the responsibilities in the role, please read the attached job description. 

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 16th September at our office in Victoria. 

We reserve the right to extend the closing date depending on the candidate pool. 

Frazzled is a mental health and wellbeing charity founded by Ruby Wax OBE. We provide free, facilitated peer support meetings for people feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of modern life.

Our online and face-to-face meetings offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where people can share openly, listen to others and feel heard. Everything we do is underpinned by high-quality volunteer facilitation, thoughtful training and a supportive community.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for an organised, compassionate and proactive Programme Coordinator to help deliver and develop our programme of peer support meetings, while ensuring our volunteers feel confident, supported and connected.

Purpose of the role

The Programme Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of Frazzled's online and face-to-face peer support programme.

Working closely with the Head of Programmes, you'll oversee Frazzled’s meeting schedules, recruit and support volunteer facilitators, coordinate training and onboarding, carry out regular observations and contribute to the continuous improvement of our programme. You'll play a key role in ensuring our services are delivered safely, consistently and in line with the Frazzled model.

This is a varied hands-on role that combines excellent organisation with relationship building, volunteer development and continuous improvement. You'll be equally comfortable organising complex schedules, supporting volunteers through challenging situations and contributing ideas that help our programmes continue to grow while staying true to what makes Frazzled unique.

Frazzled runs meetings from early morning until late evening, seven days a week. As a core part of this role involves observing and supporting facilitators as issues arise, some evening and weekend work will therefore be required as well as regular travel to our face-to-face sites across England.

We ask that you do not use AI to assist you in writing your application, as this role involves lots of written and verbal communication with stakeholders and we want to hear your authentic voice, rather than the same response multiple times. 

Key Responsibilities

Programme Coordination

• Coordinate the delivery of Frazzled's programme of online and face-to-face peer support meetings.

• Manage facilitator schedules, ensuring meetings are appropriately staffed and volunteers are well supported.

• Respond to day-to-day operational issues and work with colleagues to resolve them effectively.

• Coordinate new or one-off themed meetings and support the ongoing development of existing programmes.

• Maintain accurate programme records, schedules and systems.

Volunteer Recruitment and Support

• Coordinate the recruitment and selection of volunteer facilitators.

• Manage volunteer onboarding, including DBS checks, induction, training administration and access to systems.

• Build positive relationships with volunteers, providing regular communication, encouragement and practical support.

• Coordinate volunteer meetings, communications and other opportunities for connection and development.

Training, Coaching and Quality Assurance

• Design, coordinate and deliver engaging facilitator training, refresher sessions and development workshops that bring the Frazzled model to life through discussion, reflection and practical learning.

• Carry out regular facilitator observations, both online and in person, providing thoughtful and constructive feedback.

• Support volunteers to develop their confidence, skills and understanding of the Frazzled model.

• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding, wellbeing or performance concerns, escalating where necessary.

• Help maintain the quality, consistency and integrity of all Frazzled meetings.

Programme Development

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Frazzled's programme, systems and volunteer experience.

• Review feedback, observations and programme data to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Help develop resources, guidance and processes that support volunteers and improve programme delivery.

• Help promote Frazzled sessions, both face to face and online.

• Contribute ideas for new initiatives, projects and ways of working as Frazzled continues to grow.

Team Contribution

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to deliver high-quality programmes.

• Manage the volunteer and public inbox

• Support organisational projects and events where appropriate.

• Contribute positively to a small, flexible team, taking ownership of work and supporting others when needed.

Person Specification

Essential

We're looking for someone who has:

• Experience coordinating programmes, projects or services.

• Experience recruiting, supporting or managing volunteers, staff or facilitators.

• Experience delivering or coordinating training, workshops or learning activities.

• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with a wide range of people.

• Confidence giving kind, constructive feedback and having sensitive conversations when needed.

• Good judgement, emotional intelligence and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

• Experience improving systems, processes or ways of working.

• Confidence using digital systems including Zoom, Google Workspace and online scheduling tools.

• A commitment to Frazzled's values and an understanding of the importance of peer support, inclusion and psychological safety.

Desirable

• Experience working within the charity, mental health or wellbeing sector.

• Experience coordinating or supporting volunteers.

• Experience facilitating groups or delivering training.

• Knowledge of safeguarding in a community or volunteer setting.

• Experience using data and feedback to improve services.

• Understanding of coaching, learning and development or reflective practice.